Nehemiah Center Inc
About Nehemiah Center Inc
Nehemiah Center gives Houston families something practical and steady: pre-K for ages 3 to 5, after-school support for K-5 students, college prep for middle and high schoolers, and services for parents and caregivers too. It serves more than 500 vulnerable children and their working families each year, with meals, adult learning, scholarship support, and family help built into the work. If you care about a place that stays with children from toddler years through the college transition, this is one worth knowing.
What sets Nehemiah Center apart is the way it stays present across a child’s whole path, from Mommy & Me through college prep and scholarship support. Parent participation is part of the structure, so families are not treated like an afterthought.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Pre-Kindergarten Program
A nurturing and academically enriching program for children ages 3-5 with basic school readiness instruction, a five-day schedule, and extended care.
Mommy & Me
A free program for toddlers and a caregiver that teaches verbal interaction, age-appropriate cognitive learning, nutrition, and care, while building developmental skills.
Academic Enrichment Program (AEP)
An after-school program for K-5 students that provides homework assistance, tutoring, warm meals, and health and wellness resources, with Bible study and prayer.
College Prep Program
A middle and high school program that offers homework support, Christian education, one-on-one tutoring, PSAT, SAT, and ACT prep, college tours, and career counseling.
Leadership and Global Studies Academy
A middle school program operated with Southwest Public Schools that expands academic offerings for adolescent learners.
Effective Parenting Program
Classes for parents that support family participation, including courses for first-time parents and crisis counseling support.
Healthy Living Classes
Classes for parents on practical life skills and family well-being, including topics such as checking accounts, fixing a flat tire, changing oil, and women’s edification.
Adult Education
Adult learning opportunities that include English as a second language, computer literacy, financial literacy, entrepreneurial workshops, and micro-finance for women in business.
Mental Health Education & Referral Services
Support services that include mental health education, counseling referrals, mental health fairs, and health fairs.
Fred C. Alcorn Scholarship
Scholarship assistance for Nehemiah students and graduates pursuing higher education.
Womanade
A fund that helps families facing financial difficulties with utility, medical, grocery, and other bills.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
The Nehemiah Center’s mission is to provide assistance to low income families who are invested in seeking a better future for their children through education, emotional wellness and spiritual enrichment.
Who they serve
Low-income families with children, including toddlers, elementary students, middle school students, high school students, and parents or caregivers.
Their impact
- Works with over 500 vulnerable children and their working families annually
- 59,000 meals served annually
- $600,000+ scholarship assistance
- 20+ successful college graduates
- 6,500+ joyful volunteer hours
How your donation helps
- Scholarship assistance for students and graduates
- School supplies and books for Pre-K students
- Tuition support for elementary after-school students
- Hot supper meals for after-school students
- Utility, medical, grocery, and other bills for families facing financial difficulties
- Support for academic programming for low-income students
Our story
Nehemiah Center began when members of First Presbyterian Church started tutoring students living in poverty at McGregor Elementary School in Houston’s Third Ward. They saw academic deficits, crime-ridden neighborhoods, and too little affordable after-school care, and decided to build a safe haven. After receiving federal tax exemption in August 1995, they raised about $300,000 to buy and remodel the current property, then opened the center with 22 students in January 1996.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Nehemiah Center Inc’s services.
Families apply through the enrollment process and must qualify for the HISD free or reduced lunch program, with verification provided before enrollment. Special consideration may be given to households that do not meet income requirements but can demonstrate a special need, and recommendations are also accepted from select school officials and First Presbyterian Church members.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
With your help, we create a safe haven in which inner-city children are motivated, inspired and equipped to realize their God-given potential.
Events
Celebration Dinner
annualA fundraising dinner held for the 30th anniversary celebration and sponsorship support.
Nehemiah Golf Classic
annualAn annual golf fundraiser benefiting students and families at the center.
Pickleball Tournament
annualA fundraiser at Drop Shots HTX with teams, games, prizes, food, and drinks.
Bingo Night
annualA bingo fundraiser with dinner, raffle tickets, prizes, and support for academic programming.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Nehemiah Center Inc has shared.
Volunteer opportunities
- Read aloud to Pre-K children
- Help children build early English skills, sight words, and letter sounds
- Support sensory play and classroom activities in Pre-K
- Tutor and mentor students in the after-school and college prep programs
- Lead workshops such as STEM tutorials, media and creative works, Girl Scouts, and Eagle Scouts
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Texas Rising Star 4 out of 4 star accreditation for Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4
- Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating
Partners & funders
In the news
Articles featuring Nehemiah Center Inc from the Love What You Fund newsroom.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who can enroll in the center’s programs?
Families need to qualify for the HISD free or reduced lunch program and show verification before enrolling. If a household does not meet the income requirement but can show a special need, special consideration may be given.
What does the after-school program provide for children?
The Academic Enrichment Program offers homework help, tutoring, warm meals, and health and wellness resources, along with Bible study and prayer.
What happens in Mommy & Me?
Mommy & Me is a free program for toddlers and a caregiver. It focuses on verbal interaction, age-appropriate cognitive exercises, nutrition, and developmental activities.
What support does the College Prep Program offer?
The College Prep Program includes homework support, Christian education, one-on-one tutoring, PSAT, SAT, and ACT preparation, college tours, and career counseling.